24th Year in Raleigh: Activists have protested the arms race monthly on Fayetteville Mall since 1982. Join them May 4, noon-1 p.m., at a location as close to the P.O. as they can get (construction, you know); then come to the Lighthouse Restaurant for lunch and cake, and to hear N.C. Peace Action president Bill Towe speak on "The Sorrows of Empire." 821-2014, slaterpat@mindspring.com (Slater Newman).

Raleigh Critical Mass: Advocate for bicyclists' rights to the road, sustainable transportation and community building. On the last Friday of every month (April 29), bring your bike and your energy to the NCSU Bell Tower, Hillsborough Street, at 4:30 p.m.

Durham Crisis Response Center: Fifth Annual Silent Auction & Benefit, music by members of the Durham Symphony and a lively jazz trio, gourmet hors d'oeuvres and wine, and an eclectic assortment of auction items including weekend getaways, spa packages, art and more.

Supports services for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Durham. April 30, 7-10:30 p.m. Historic CC Thomas House, downtown Durham. Tickets are $35 presale and $40 at the door.

Rachel King: Author and anti-death penalty activist reads from her new book about the families of the convicted; co-sponsored by People of Faith Against the Death Penalty. May 9, 7:30 p.m. at Branch's Chapel Hill Bookshop, 243 S. Elliott Road. 968-9110 (John). May 10, 7 p.m. at Quail Ridge Books & Music, 3522 Wade Ave., Raleigh. 828-7912 (Rene).

Welcome Baby: A free parenting education and support program of the Cooperative Extension Service in Durham County, serving parents of children under 5. Volunteer Hospital Visitors explain the program to parents of newborns at Duke UMC or Durham Regional Hospitals. Training: May 2, 6-9 p.m. Also needed are Volunteer Parent Supporters who call new parents once a week for eight weeks to answer questions and provide info on newborn care and community resources. Three training sessions required: May 2, 6-8 p.m.; May 4, 6-9 p.m.; and May 9, 6-9 p.m. Other volunteers needed: Giving Closet, Office Assistant, Child Care, Hospital Tour. 560-7340, vdbrown@co.durham.nc.us (Von Brown).

Durham Board of County Commissioners: Seeking volunteers for 14 citizen boards and commissions, including in the areas of planning, open space and trails, transportation, women and children, and workforce development. Application and info: 560-0025 (Yvonne Gordon), www.co.durham.nc.us . Application deadline: May 5, 5 p.m.

Harbors Recyclery: A bicycle restoration program designed to benefit disadvantaged children and teenagers in Durham. To volunteer/mentor, e-mail harborsrecyclery@yahoo.com. To donate a bike, go to the shop on Saturdays. To buy a reconditioned child's or adult's bike ($15-$60), go to the shop on Fridays and Saturdays. 914-A Gilbert St., Durham.

Sustainable Harvest International: Volunteers needed to help with the sustainable technology projects at SHI's demonstration farm in Honduras. Volunteers stay at the farm and work with local families and Honduran staff to teach farmers alternatives to destructive slash-and-burn agricultural practices. May 26-June 4. Contact the SHI Outreach Office at 933-9472, sarah@sus tainableharvest.org or www.sustainableharvest.org.

NAMI Newsletter: The National Alliance of the Mentally Ill in Durham is seeking original contributions of words, sentences, paragraphs and short pieces on any topic regarding physical, mental and emotional health and fitness, or music, culture, recovery and your struggles and triumphs, for its monthly newsletter. Contact Phil G. at financial-advocate@juno.com.

ReTails: Shop to stop pet overpopulation! A thrift shop supporting AnimalKind is now open Thursdays through Sundays at 1608 N. Market Drive, Raleigh. Help save animals with a tax-deductible donation of your used furniture, housewares, clothing and more. ReTails also needs volunteers to work in the shop and transport donated items. All proceeds support "The $20 Fix." 872-0019, info@animalkind.org, www.animalkind.org .